The Capitals have not advanced past the conference semifinals since the team's only appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals in 1998.

Boudreau took over as the Capitals head coach on Nov. 27, 2007, after the team started the 2007-08 season 6-14-1 under Glen Hanlon. He turned the team around that year and led them to the franchise's first Southeast Division title in seven years.

He won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL's Coach of the Year that season.

Boudreau has compiled a 189-79-39 record since taking over as head coach.